FUNDER is a non-profit private organization that promotes participatory processes of business development. It offers training and technical assistance services to small and medium-scale producers on various topics, including: organization; production, processing and marketing; financing and strengthening of rural savings and loan associations; and small businesses and agribusiness initiatives.
FUNDER was founded in 1997 as a result of the Consolidation of Farmer Businesses of the Agrarian Reform in Comayagua (PROCORAC in Spanish) and of rural social organization. PROCORAC was developed between 1992 and 2001 with money from the Honduran and Dutch governments. FUNDER is currently part of the Gota Verde project.
FUNDER is made up of government authorities, civil society representatives (social rural organizations) and international aid figures. Their goal is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the most vulnerable families in rural areas. It is a service institution with legal status and statutes approved by the Executive Power through the State and Justice Department, according to Resolution Number 051-97 passed February 26, 1997 and reformed through Resolution Number 435-2002 on November 26, 2002 and published on the Federation's Official Journal on January 20, 2003.
FUNDER’s objective is that rural families be able to produce for the market in competitive conditions, either through an agricultural job or a non-agricultural one, receiving incomes above the poverty line.
FUNDER’s mission is to promote participatory processes of business development, through efficient and effective training services, technical assistance and financing for the creation and consolidation of rural savings and loan associations, small businesses and agribusinesses that improve the quality of life of the people they work with.
FUNDER’s values and principles are:
1. Market competitiveness as a result of rural families' efficient use of the factors of production (human, natural and capital), maximizing profits without affecting sustainability.
2. Equity within the family with regards to property and control over natural resources and capital.
3. Equity in the participation of the community’s organizations, especially with regards to women and youth participation, work opportunities and decision-making.
4. Sustainable use of the factors of production; that is, to guarantee the present and future use and availability of resources. The use of technology should be based on questions of sustainability, making sure that it does not threaten future generations’ survival.